Many of us who have grown up in the church or who have attended a church for a while probably have a list of expectations about what “church” ought to be like – how we worship, how we teach or preach, how we make disciples, how we are organized, and so on. For many of … [Read more…]
We like a lot of options, don’t we? When building a new house or buying a new car or even a new computer, you find yourself facing all kinds of great options. So you spend some time imagining all the possibilities and put together an idea of what you really want. Then you have to … [Read more…]
I read a lot of magazine articles, web pages, and blog posts about church growth and leadership. Frankly, I often feel overwhelmed when facing the tasks of preaching and teaching and working with our leaders to help this body of believers grow in our faith and knowledge of Jesus. I need the help; I … [Read more…]
I’d be surprised if you haven’t seen the movie “A Christmas Story” at least once in your lifetime, but don’t worry; I’m sure you’ll have at least a few dozen more opportunities to catch it on TV this season. At the climax of the movie, Christmas Morning, the main character, Ralphie, has to try on … [Read more…]
I know this is going to make me one of “them,” but it has to be said: the holidays are coming. As I write this, there are about five weeks until Thanksgiving and about nine until Christmas. (My mother would be appalled that I have called attention to it; please forgive me.) This is the … [Read more…]
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who … [Read more…]
I know that it’s obvious how I spend some of my time. I preach every week and teach several lessons throughout the week. However, a lot of what I do is behind the scenes and involves a lot of study and thought. However, nothing that I do should be hidden, nor should it be done … [Read more…]
At the end of June, I attended the North American Christian Convention in Cincinnati with my family. The theme for the week was “We Speak,” and many of the speakers focused on or began at Acts 4:19, 20 where Peter and John replied to the Jewish religious leaders who threatened them to keep them from … [Read more…]
Names are difficult these days. In the not so distant past, it was fairly easy to learn the name of a person, place, or thing, and then immediately know something about that person, place, or thing just because of the name. That’s not necessarily the case anymore. Unfortunately, this also seems to be the case … [Read more…]
“We are transformed by the renewing of our minds, not by trying really hard to be good.” Josh Hunt nails the struggle of Christian discipleship for many people. Essentially he restates what Paul wrote in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of … [Read more…]